Indonesian Independence Means More Than Freedom From Colonization, Says Rector

Indonesian independence signifies more than just liberation from physical occupation, according to University of Harkat Negeri Rector Sudirman Said. He asserted that true freedom means citizens act with self-awareness to manage their collective lives, free from the compulsion of rules or power.

Said explained this principle as "shared effort," contrasting it with the "forced effort" characteristic of the colonial era. He cited paying taxes out of fear of penalties as forced effort, while paying taxes out of a conscious understanding of contributing to shared life as shared effort. Similarly, choosing leaders due to money or promises is veiled coercion, whereas choosing leaders to find the best path forward exemplifies shared effort.

The rector stressed that the distinction between forced effort and shared effort lies not in surface outcomes but in the underlying motivation. In shared effort, citizens are active participants, pooling resources and capabilities for common benefit, rather than passive recipients of top-down policies.

Said also linked the concept of shared effort to the Indonesian national anthem, "Indonesia Raya," emphasizing the call to "Awaken its soul, awaken its body." He prioritized the development of the soul, encompassing honesty, integrity, and courage, over physical development. Without a "straight soul," Said warned, any physical or economic progress would be like a "ship without a compass," driven by intellect but lacking conscience, showcasing strength while disregarding fairness.